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Thursday, 29 May 2014

Politics: 20mph limits to be rolled-out across Calderdale

Calderdale Council’s Cabinet last night agreed to roll out 20mph speed limits across residential areas in the district over the next three years.

The move will see all current 30mph zones in built-up areas become 20mph in a move which councillors say will reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on our roads.

The measures were proposed after it was revealed that children are almost twice as likely to be killed or seriously injured on the roads in Calderdale compared to the national average.

Councillor Simon Young (Luddendenfoot, Lab) said: “There’s rarely a time when I knock on a resident’s door where road speed doesn’t come up as an issue.

“The majority of citizens support the introduction of the 20mph scheme.”

In a consultation with 1,200 residents, the results found that over 80 per cent of people support measures to curb speed limits, however, less that 50 per cent support the preferred proposal of a district-wide 20mph speed limit.

Barry Collins. deputy council leader, said: “Calderdale will be the first council in West Yorkshire to introduce a council-wide 20mph speed limit in residential areas.”

Conservative members of the council have called for further consultation before the plans are rolled out.

Councillor Scott Benton (Brighouse, Con) said: “Less than one per cent of residents took part in the consultation, and we simply do not believe the council has the legitimacy to introduce this policy given the apparent lack of support from the public.”